Diagnosing a Car Battery Problem.

Updated on May 1, 2011

Diagnosing a Dead Car Battery.

Your car's battery is the brain of the electrical system. What I mean is...Without it not anything works. Just like a battery in any electronic mechanism, your car's battery will need to be changed every three to five years on average. Some vehicle batteries need periodic upkeep with need to be serviced on a recurring basis to achieve optimum performance, while some are referred to as [maintenance-free].

There are a number of conditions that appear like a flat battery however, with the right instruments plus expertise, these can certainly be recognized before you go out and purchase a new battery without need. For your connivance there are Battery Tenders on hand that will keep your battery in peak condition.

Using a Digital Multimeter to examine the batteries voltage level. A battery in ideal running condition should read 12.66 volts DC between the positive [+] [RED] and negative [-] [BLACK] terminals. This number may be a bit higher or lower depending upon its size and producer, but should not be fewer than twelve volts, as well as no more than 13 volts. If a battery has totally charged and reads a voltage less than 12V at rest, you may perhaps need to check out the battery's water level and top it up if necessary. If the water height in the battery is Okay, it may need to be replaced.

NOTE...If you're not certain how to confirm the water level, have a trained individual verify it for you.

Now check the battery terminals for signs of corrosion plus lose connections. It is very common for corrosion to form on the battery terminals. In various cases it's totally visible, however it is even potential for corrosion to be obscured amid the terminal and the connector. This may result to insufficient charging, equally a loss of power to the auto. Disconnect both terminals and cleanse them with a battery terminal cleaning blend and a wire brush or [100 grit sandpaper]. Reconnect the battery terminals and tighten them.

The next step is to verify that ground cable is correctly grounded. Follow the negative [-] [BLACK] wire from the battery terminal to where it grounds to the frame of the automobile. Use the multi measure to test the resistance between both ends of the wire. A good ground cable will show zero ohms, or very near to it. Any reading further than 1 ohm indicates a defective ground tie. Duplicate this another time between the negative terminal and the vehicle's body ground.

Battery Load Test.

Now we're going to execute a load test. Place the Battery Load Tester between the positive [+] [RED] and negative [-] [BLACK] terminals. While this load analysis is being performed, this gauge will show the battery's functioning under a actual load. If the battery has been adequately charged and fails the load test, replacement of the battery is necessary.

Testing the alternator to find out if its sending sufficient power to the battery. By the multimeter to test the battery's voltage [as per above] with the vehicle turned off. Now start the automobile and investigate the voltage reading again. During the vehicle is running, the voltage should read close to 14.4 VDC. If the voltage is reading the invariable if the car is running as it is while it's turned off, or if the voltage drops at the same time as the auto is running, the alternator will not be working correctly and may perhaps need to be changed. If the alternator is not correctly keeping the battery charged, the problems will be identical similar to those that come about by means of a dying battery.

Some Guidelines & Warnings To Be Aware Of!

>>> Unclean or else poorly fixed battery terminals are the for the most part recurrent cause for battery associated vehicle problems. Every time clean [try a little baking soda & hot water mixture]and tighten the battery terminals ahead of going out and buying a new battery...Always dispose of lifeless batteries correctly.

>>> Make certain you clean your palms after managing a battery. [Or better yet wear gloves]. Vehicle batteries possibly will hold sulfuric acid, in addition to the terminals are usually built of lead. Don't smoke during servicing a battery. Hydrogen gas may well be released from certain types of auto batteries, and an explosion may happen.

>>> Its a really good idea to keep your vehicle and it's battery appropriately maintained. There are Battery Tenders obtainable to guarantee your battery is in best state and will be ready to start your auto when you need it. When you do decide on a new battery invest in a economical Battery Tender as well. This will ensue years of long life from your battery. You can also visit my Blog: Battery Tenders - The Most Advanced Battery & Tending System!